Gaming system and method providing indication of notable symbols

ABSTRACT

The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/823,577, which was filedon Aug. 11, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/086,682, which wasfiled on Nov. 21, 2013, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,135,785 on Sep. 152015, which is a continuation of and claims priority to and the benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,107, which was filed on Sep.10, 2008, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,591,308 on Nov. 26, 2013, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Known slot machines have special reel symbols, such as wild symbols andbonus triggering symbols. While the reels spin, it can be difficult forcertain players to see or detect the special symbols because of thespeed of the spinning reels. Consequently, during the spin of the reels,the player can lack information about the occurrence or appearance ofthe special symbols. This lack of information can be a disadvantage orfrustration to the gaming experience.

Other known slot machines play sounds when certain symbols on the reelspass a payline. Every time such symbols pass the payline, a sound isplayed. Consequently, during the spin of the reels, the player can beoverwhelmed by many sounds and it can be difficult for the player torecognize which symbol relates to which sound. This overload ofinformation can be a disadvantage or frustration to players.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome or lessen the effects of suchdisadvantages. Also, there is a need to increase the amount ofinformation provided to players of gaming devices.

SUMMARY

The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indicationwhen at least one special or notable symbol, including, withoutlimitation, a wild symbol, a bonus symbol, a symbol stack, or a stackedsymbol, appears while at least one reel is spinning. The indicationdistinguishes the notable symbol from the other symbols on the reel.During a play of a game, the gaming device causes at least one reel, andpreferably a plurality of reels, to spin. As the reel spins, a pluralityof symbols associated with the reel move into and out of a symboldisplay region. If the notable symbol appears within the symbol displayregion while the reel is spinning, the gaming device produces anindication associated with the notable symbol. The gaming deviceprocessor maintains or continues the indication of the notable symbol asthe notable symbol moves within the symbol display region during thespinning of the reel.

In one embodiment, a plurality of notable symbols are associated withone reel. In another embodiment, a plurality of notable symbols areassociated with a plurality of reels so that different notable symbolsare associated with different reels. In one embodiment, the gamingdevice associates a plurality of different indications with a pluralityof different notable symbols. That is, the gaming device is configuredto produce different indications for different notable symbols. Forexample, the gaming device associates a first notable symbol with afirst indication, such as a first sound or color, and associates asecond, different notable symbol with a second, different indication,such as a second sound or color. In different embodiments, theindications include audible indications, graphical indications, or acombination of audible and graphical indications. In one embodiment, onegraphical indication includes changing the spinning speed of the reelassociated with the notable symbol.

In one embodiment, the gaming device indicates the notable symboldifferently when the notable symbol appears within the symbol displayregion: (i) while the at least one reel is spinning, and (ii) after theat least one reel stops. In one embodiment, when the at least one reelstops, the first indication also stops. In one embodiment, if thenotable symbol is displayed within the symbol display region when the atleast one reel stops, the gaming device changes the first indication toa second, different indication. For example, the gaming device canhighlight the notable symbol with a red color when the notable symbolappears within the symbol display region while the at least one reel isspinning. If the at least one reel stops, and the notable symbol isdisplayed within the symbol display region, the gaming device canhighlight the notable symbol with a different color, such as yellow.

In one embodiment, the indication of the notable symbols occurs: (a)independent of any game outcome; and (b) independent of the location ofthe win line or pay line on the reels. For example, the gaming deviceautomatically produces the audio or visual indication whenever a notablesymbol appears at the top region of the reel window, regardless ofwhether the win line or pay line is located at such region.

The indication of the notable symbols assists in distinguishing thenotable symbols from the other symbols, thereby providing moreinformation to the player about the occurrence of the notable symbols.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of example alternative embodimentsof the gaming device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an electronicconfiguration for one of the gaming devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a gamingsystem network configuration including a plurality of gaming devicesdisclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a reel for one of thegaming devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a plurality of symbols associated with aplurality of possible indicators, such as audible indicators andgraphical or visual indicators, in accordance with one embodiment of thegaming system disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating example positions of onereel of one of the gaming devices as the reel spins over time inaccordance with one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein,wherein at least one audible indicator is associated with one of thesymbols.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating example positions of onereel of one of the gaming devices as the reel spins and stops over timein accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed gaming system,wherein at least one audible indicator is associated with one of thesymbols.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating example positions of one reelof one of the gaming devices as the reel spins over time in accordancewith one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein, wherein atleast one graphical or visual indicator is associated with one of thesymbols.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating example positions of one reelof one of the gaming devices as the reel spins over time in accordancewith one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein, wherein atleast one audible indicator and at least one graphical or visualindicator are associated with one of the symbols.

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram showing one possible flow sequence ofone embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E are enlarged front plan views of a displaydevice of one of the gaming devices disclosed herein, illustratingexample screen shots of one embodiment of the gaming system where one ormore indicators are associated with one or more symbols of a game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations forgaming machines, gaming devices, or gaming systems, including but notlimited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine, gaming device, or gamingsystems wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games(which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are providedwith the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gamingestablishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine, gaming device, orgaming system wherein the computerized instructions for controlling anygames (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) aredownloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a datanetwork after the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gamingestablishment. In one embodiment, the computerized instructions forcontrolling any games are executed by at least one central server,central controller, or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment,the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitableinterfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (orsuitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from aplayer. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions forcontrolling any games are communicated from the central server, centralcontroller, or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memorydevices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device localprocessor executes the communicated computerized instructions to controlany games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.

In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may bethin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gamingsystem may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment,certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin clientenvironment and certain other functions of the gaming device areimplemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment,computerized instructions for controlling any primary games arecommunicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thickclient configuration and computerized instructions for controlling anysecondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in athin client configuration.

Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative embodiments of agaming device disclosed herein are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B asgaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b, respectively. Gaming device10 a and/or gaming device 10 b are generally referred to herein asgaming device 10.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 hasa support structure, housing, or cabinet which provides support for aplurality of displays, inputs, controls, and other features of aconventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player canoperate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device can bepositioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-styletable-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably whilesitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown in FIGS.1A and 1B, the gaming device may have varying cabinet and displayconfigurations.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming devicepreferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a microprocessor,a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or oneor more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). The processoris in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signalswith at least one data storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment,the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of thegaming device. The memory device stores program code and instructions,executable by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memorydevice also stores other data such as image data, event data, playerinput data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data orinformation, and applicable game rules that relate to the play of thegaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes randomaccess memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM),magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other forms ascommonly understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, thememory device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, thememory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical,and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gamingdevice disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating datadescribed above can be stored in a detachable or removable memorydevice, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CDROM, DVD, or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of theprogram code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded tothe memory device through a suitable network.

In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a removablememory device in a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, or anothercomputerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In oneembodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein isoperable over a wireless network, for example part of a wireless gamingsystem. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand-helddevice, a mobile device, or any other suitable wireless device thatenables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of differentlocations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gamingmachine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approvalfrom a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtainedapproval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciatedthat the processor and memory device may be collectively referred toherein as a “computer” or “controller.”

In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming devicerandomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based onprobability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination isprovided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such asa true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator, orother suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award orother game outcome is associated with a probability and the gamingdevice generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to theplayer based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, sincethe gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or moreprobability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming devicewill ever provide the player with any specific award or other gameoutcome.

In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gamingdevice employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or othergame outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcomeis provided to the player, the gaming device flags or removes theprovided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool.Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific providedaward or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be providedto the player again. This type of gaming device provides players withall of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course ofthe play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.

In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a player initiating gameplay at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. Inthis embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in aspecific bingo game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicatedto the individual gaming device to be provided to a player. In oneembodiment, this bingo outcome is displayed to the player as a bingogame and/or in any form in accordance with the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includesone or more display devices controlled by the processor. The displaydevices are preferably connected to or mounted on the cabinet of thegaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a centraldisplay device 16 which displays a primary game. This display device mayalso display any suitable secondary game associated with the primarygame as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game.The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central displaydevice 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device maydisplay the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated or notassociated with the primary game and/or information relating to theprimary or secondary game. These display devices may also serve asdigital glass operable to advertise games or other aspects of the gamingestablishment. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gamingdevice includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's currentnumber of credits, cash, account balance, or the equivalent. In oneembodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays aplayer's amount wagered. In one embodiment, as described in more detailbelow, the gaming device includes a player tracking display 40 whichdisplays information regarding a player's play tracking status.

In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobiledisplay device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of atleast a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remotefrom the gaming device.

The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, atelevision display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) adisplay based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display based on aplurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based onpolymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality ofsurface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including aprojected and/or reflected image, or any other suitable electronicdevice or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in moredetail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with anassociated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of anysuitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or anelongated rectangle.

The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display atleast one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images,symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition ofthe movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual, or video reels andwheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters,places, things, faces of cards, and the like.

In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayedon or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, thedisplay device may include any electromechanical device, such as one ormore mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels, ordice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or othersuitable images, symbols or indicia.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device includesat least one payment device 24 in communication with the processor. Asseen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a payment device such as a payment acceptorincludes a note, ticket or bill acceptor 28 wherein the player insertspaper money, a ticket, or voucher and a coin slot 26 where the playerinserts money, coins, or tokens. In other embodiments, payment devicessuch as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or creditslips may accept payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert anidentification card into a card reader of the gaming device. In oneembodiment, the identification card is a smart card having a programmedmicrochip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification,credit totals (or related data), and other relevant information. Inanother embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cellphone, a radio frequency identification tag, or any other suitablewireless device, which communicates a player's identification, credittotals (or related data), and other relevant information to the gamingdevice. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming devicethrough electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gamingdevice, the processor determines the amount of funds entered anddisplays the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitabledisplay as described above.

As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, in one embodiment the gaming deviceincludes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 incommunication with the processor. The input devices can include anysuitable device which enables the player to produce an input signalwhich is received by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriatefunding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activationdevice, such as a play button 32 or a pull arm (not shown) which is usedby the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in thegaming device. The play button can be any suitable play activator suchas a bet one button, a max bet button, or a repeat the bet button. Inone embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins thegame play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engagingone of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates gameplay.

In one embodiment, one input device is a bet one button. The playerplaces a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase thebet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. Whenthe player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in thecredit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of creditsshown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In anotherembodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) whichenables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of thegaming device.

In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 34. The playermay push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment orother suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remainingcredits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, a paymentdevice, such as a ticket, payment, or note generator 36 prints orotherwise generates a ticket or credit slip to provide to the player.The player receives the ticket or credit slip and may redeem the valueassociated with the ticket or credit slip via a cashier (or othersuitable redemption system). In another embodiment, when the playercashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payouttray. It should be appreciated that any suitable payout mechanisms, suchas funding to the player's electronically recordable identificationcard, may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosedherein.

In one embodiment, as mentioned above and as seen in FIG. 2A, one inputdevice is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen controller 44 orsome other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for playerinteraction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and thetouch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 46. A playercan make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touchingthe touch-screen at the appropriate locations. One such input device isa conventional touch-screen button panel.

The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication portsfor enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals,such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays,a SCSI port, or a keypad.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includes asound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 48 whichfunction in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the soundgenerating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality ofspeakers 50 or other sound generating hardware and/or software forgenerating sounds, such as by playing music for the primary and/orsecondary game or by playing music for other modes of the gaming device,such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device providesdynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed onone or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visualrepresentation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound toattract players to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gamingdevice may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messagesto attract potential players to the gaming device. The videos may alsobe customized to provide any appropriate information.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as acamera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled bythe processor), that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of aplayer actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area ofthe gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured toselectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may beconfigured to acquire the images in an analog, digital, or othersuitable format. The display devices may be configured to display theimage acquired by the camera as well as to display the visiblemanifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion.For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and theprocessor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondarygame as a game image, symbol or indicia.

Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering game as theprimary or base game. The gaming machine or device may include some orall of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. Theprimary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, cardgame, cascading or falling symbol game, number game, or other game ofchance susceptible to representation in an electronic orelectromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a randomoutcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of awager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video pokergames, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any othersuitable primary or base game may be implemented.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a base or primarygame may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52. The paylines maybe horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combinationthereof. In this embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one andpreferably a plurality of reels 54, such as three to five reels 54, ineither electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or videoform with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, anelectromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent,rotatable reels which may be combined and operably coupled with anelectronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if thereels 54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, asdescribed above, displays the plurality of simulated video reels 54.Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells,hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars, or other images which preferablycorrespond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the reels are independent reels or unisymbolreels. In this embodiment, each independent or unisymbol reel generatesand displays one symbol to the player. In one embodiment, the gamingdevice awards prizes after the reels of the primary game stop spinningif specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur onan active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on therequisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter payarrangement.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any outcome toprovide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated on any wageredupon paylines as described above, the gaming device determines anyoutcome to provide to the player based on the number of associatedsymbols which are generated in active symbol positions on the requisitenumber of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through anydisplayed winning symbol combinations). In this embodiment, if a winningsymbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device providesthe player one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbolcombination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is generatedon the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to theplayer for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on thenumber of paylines that would have passed through that winning symbolcombination). It should be appreciated that because a gaming device thatenables wagering on ways to win provides the player one award for asingle occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a gaming devicewith paylines may provide the player more than one award for the sameoccurrence of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a pluralityof paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination), itis possible to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device with moreways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gamingdevice with paylines.

In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is determined bymultiplying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positionson a first reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbolpositions on a second reel by the number of symbols generated in activesymbol positions on a third reel and so on for each reel of the gamingdevice with at least one symbol generated in an active symbol position.For example, a three reel gaming device with three symbols generated inactive symbol positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on thethird reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols generated inactive symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e., 3symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×symbols on thethird reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device withthree symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on thesecond reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel×3symbols on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying thenumber of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels ormodifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions byone or more of the reels modifies the number of ways to win.

In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to wager onand thus activate symbol positions. In one such embodiment, the symbolpositions are on the reels. In this embodiment, if based on the player'swager, a reel is activated, then each of the symbol positions of thatreel will be activated and each of the active symbol positions will bepart of one or more of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based onthe player's wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number ofdefault symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middlerow of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s)will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This type of gamingmachine enables a player to wager on one, more than one or all of thereels and the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wageredon reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number ofpossible ways to win. In alternative embodiments, (1) no symbols aredisplayed as generated at any of the inactive symbol positions, or (2)any symbols generated at any inactive symbol positions may be displayedto the player but suitably shaded or otherwise designated as inactive.

In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more reels, aplayer's wager of one credit may activate each of the three symbolpositions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position isactivated on each of the remaining four reels. In this example, asdescribed above, the gaming device provides the player three ways to win(i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×1 symbol on the second reel×1 symbolon the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifthreel). In another example, a player's wager of nine credits may activateeach of the three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the threesymbol positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positionson a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on eachof the remaining two reels. In this example, as described above, thegaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to win (i.e., 3symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on thethird reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel).

In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to the playerbased on the generated symbols, the gaming device individuallydetermines if a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a firstreel forms part of a winning symbol combination with or is otherwisesuitably related to a symbol generated in an active symbol position on asecond reel. In this embodiment, the gaming device classifies each pairof symbols which form part of a winning symbol combination (i.e., eachpair of related symbols) as a string of related symbols. For example, ifactive symbol positions include a first cherry symbol generated in thetop row of a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in thebottom row of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherrysymbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbolsform part of a winning symbol combination.

After determining if any strings of related symbols are formed betweenthe symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the second reel, thegaming device determines if any of the symbols from the next adjacentreel should be added to any of the formed strings of related symbols. Inthis embodiment, for a first of the classified strings of relatedsymbols, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols generated bythe next adjacent reel form part of a winning symbol combination or areotherwise related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols.If the gaming device determines that a symbol generated on the nextadjacent reel is related to the symbols of the first string of relatedsymbols, that symbol is subsequently added to the first string ofrelated symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols isthe string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol isgenerated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device addsthe related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previouslyclassified string of cherry symbols.

On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no symbolsgenerated on the next adjacent reel are related to the symbols of thefirst string of related symbols, the gaming device marks or flags suchstring of related symbols as complete. For example, if the first stringof related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and none ofthe symbols of the third reel are related to the cherry symbols of thepreviously classified string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marksor flags the string of two cherry symbols as complete.

After either adding a related symbol to the first string of relatedsymbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, thegaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remainingclassified strings of related symbols which were previously classifiedor formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.

After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related symbols, thegaming device determines, for each remaining pending or incompletestring of related symbols, if any of the symbols from the next adjacentreel, if any, should be added to any of the previously classifiedstrings of related symbols. This process continues until either eachstring of related symbols is complete or there are no more adjacentreels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where there are no moreadjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming device marks each ofthe remaining pending strings of related symbols as complete.

When each of the strings of related symbols is marked complete, thegaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols to anappropriate paytable and provides the player any award associated witheach of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated thatthe player is provided one award, if any, for each string of relatedsymbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed to aquantity of awards being based on how many paylines that would havepassed through each of the strings of related symbols in active symbolpositions).

In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game whereinthe gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game ofvideo draw poker and initially deals five cards all face up from avirtual deck of fifty-two cards. Cards may be dealt as in a traditionalgame of cards or in the case of the gaming device, the cards may berandomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the playerwishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or moreinput devices, such as by pressing related hold buttons or via the touchscreen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted ordiscarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machinedeals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. Thisresults in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares the finalfive-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker handrankings to determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides theplayer with an award based on a winning hand and the number of creditsthe player wagered.

In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-handversion of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming device deals theplayer at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cardsare the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associatedwith its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in aprimary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in theother hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from eachhand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealtinto that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealtindependently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand willusually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined handby hand against a payout table and awards are provided to the player.

In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein thegaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers onat least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the playerselects at least one bit potentially a plurality of the selectableindicia or numbers via an input device such as a touch screen. Thegaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers and determine anamount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and thegaming device's drawn numbers. The player is provided an award based onthe amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matchesand the number of numbers drawn.

In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in abase or primary game, the gaming device may also give players theopportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or in a bonus orsecondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player toobtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any,obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondarygame produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than thebase or primary game because it provides a greater expectation ofwinning than the base or primary game, and is accompanied with moreattractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. In oneembodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitablegame, either similar to or completely different from the base or primarygame.

In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be aselected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of oneor more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as thenumber seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in theprimary slot game embodiment seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In otherembodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition occurs basedon exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games,number of credits, amount of time), or reaching a specified number ofpoints earned during game play.

In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or central server56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or moresecondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does notprovide any apparent reason to the player for qualifying to play asecondary or bonus game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a bonus gameis not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of theplays of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply qualifya player to play a secondary game without any explanation oralternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, thegaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for a secondarygame at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggeredevent, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.

In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which willautomatically begin a bonus round after the player has achieved atriggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. Inanother embodiment, after a player has qualified for a bonus game, theplayer may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation throughcontinued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonusqualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, agiven number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulatedin a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits orentries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence ofmultiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result inan arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wageringcredits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonuswagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.

In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy-in for a bonus game isneeded. That is, a player may not purchase entry into a bonus game;rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game,thus encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment,qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through asimple “buy-in” by the player—for example, if the player has beenunsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities. Inanother embodiment, the player must make a separate side-wager on thebonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualifyfor the secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary gametriggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primarygame wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the secondary game.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of the gamingdevices 10 are in communication with each other and/or at least onecentral server, central controller or remote host 56 through a datanetwork or remote communication link 58. In this embodiment, the centralserver, central controller or remote host is any suitable server orcomputing device which includes at least one processor and at least onememory or storage device. In different such embodiments, the centralserver is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gamingdevices in the gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor ofeach gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages,commands, or any other suitable data or signal between the individualgaming device and the central server. The gaming device processor isoperable to execute such communicated events, messages, or commands inconjunction with the operation of the gaming device. Moreover, theprocessor of the central server is designed to transmit and receiveevents, messages, commands, or any other suitable data or signal betweenthe central server and each of the individual gaming devices. Thecentral server processor is operable to execute such communicatedevents, messages, or commands in conjunction with the operation of thecentral server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of thefunctions of the central controller as disclosed herein may be performedby one or more gaming device processors. It should be furtherappreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or moregaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by thecentral controller.

In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determinedby a central server or controller and provided to the player at thegaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gamingdevices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upona player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, theinitiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to thecentral server or controller.

In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the gameoutcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primarygame based on probability data. In another embodiment, the centralserver or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondarygame based on probability data. In another embodiment, the centralserver or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both theprimary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In thisembodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing andutilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memorydevice of the gaming device.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintainsone or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes.In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the gameoutcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcomefrom a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controllerflags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome isflagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set orpool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server uponanother wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary gameoutcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes,or a series of game outcomes such as free games.

The central server or controller communicates the generated or selectedgame outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receivesthe generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome tothe player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selectedgame outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as areel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in acard game, is also determined by the central server or controller andcommunicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayedto the player. Central production or control can assist a gamingestablishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records,controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic orother errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility, and the like.

In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is determinedfor each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based onthe results of a bingo, keno, or lottery game. In this embodiment, eachindividual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo, keno, or lotterygames to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to theplayer for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In oneembodiment, the bingo, keno, or lottery game is displayed to the player.In another embodiment, the bingo, keno ,or lottery game is not displayedto the player, but the results of the bingo, keno, or lottery gamedetermine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary orsecondary game.

In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled inthe bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an inputdevice, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with adifferent bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array ofelements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia,such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingocard includes a different combination of elements. For example, if fourbingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the sameelement may be present on all four of the bingo cards while anotherelement may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.

In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or associating adifferent bingo card with each of a plurality of enrolled gamingdevices, the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at atime, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, adetermination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selectedelement is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gamingdevice. This determination can be made by the central controller, thegaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitablemanner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided tothat enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingocard is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements andmarking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continuesuntil one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more ofthe provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in oneembodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daubbutton (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device markingor flagging any selected elements.

After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more ofthe provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined for each of theenrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selectedelements on the provided bingo cards. As described above, the gameoutcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game isutilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined gameoutcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming device tohave selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided afirst outcome of win $10 which will be provided to a first playerregardless of how the first player plays in a first game, and a secondgaming device to have selected elements marked in a differentpredetermined pattern is provided a second outcome of win $2 which willbe provided to a second player regardless of how the second player playsa second game. It should be appreciated that as the process of markingselected elements continues until one or more predetermined patterns aremarked, this embodiment ensures that at least one bingo card will winthe bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will providea predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should beappreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining oneor more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.

In one example of the above-described embodiment, the predetermined gameoutcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any awardprovided for winning the bingo game as described above. In thisembodiment, if one or more elements are marked in supplemental patternswithin a designated number of drawn elements, a supplemental orintermittent award or value associated with the marked supplementalpattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined gameoutcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are markedwithin the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. Itshould be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a gamingdevice may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardlessof whether the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or doesnot win the bingo game as described above.

In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are incommunication with a central server or controller for monitoringpurposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generatesthe game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server orcontroller monitors the activities and events occurring on the pluralityof gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes areal-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operablycoupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaminginformation system of this embodiment includes a player database forstoring player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking playersand a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.

In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated withor otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. Playertracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value ofcustomer loyally through identifying frequent customers and rewardingthem for their patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/orplayer tracking system tracks any player's gaming activity at the gamingdevice. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least onecard reader 38 in communication with the processor. In this embodiment,a player is issued a player identification card which has an encodedplayer identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When aplayer inserts their playing tracking card into the card reader to begina gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification numberoff the player tracking card to identify the player. The gaming deviceand/or associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitableinformation or data relating to the identified player's gaming session.Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device processorcommunicates such information to the player tracking system. The gamingdevice and/or associated player tracking system also timely tracks whena player removes their player tracking card when concluding play forthat gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring aplayer to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes oneor more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, aradio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless deviceto track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In anotherembodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technologyor ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gamingsession.

During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or playertracking system tracks any suitable information or data, such as anyamounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which thesewagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players,the player tracking system includes the player's account number, theplayer's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, theplayer's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, anypromotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, theplayer's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, theplayer's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In oneembodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable featureassociated with the player tracking system is displayed on a playertracking display 40. In another embodiment, such tracked informationand/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking systemis displayed via one or more service windows (not shown) which aredisplayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device.

In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are capable ofbeing connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, thedata network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of thegaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-sitecentral server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishmentor a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the datanetwork is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gamingdevices are in communication with at least one off-site central serveror controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices maybe located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within adifferent gaming establishment than the off-site central server orcontroller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server orcontroller and an off-site gaming device located within gamingestablishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. TheWAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gamingsystem described above, although the number of gaming devices in eachsystem may vary relative to one another.

In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. Inthis embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at thegaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment,operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may beaccomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller(the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or otherdata transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxialcable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In thisembodiment, players may access an internet game page from any locationwhere an internet connection and computer or other internet facilitatoris available. The expansion in the number of computers and number andspeed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunitiesfor players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. Itshould be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wirelesscommunications may render such technology suitable for some or allcommunications, particularly if such communications are encrypted.Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing thesophistication and response of the display and interaction with theplayer.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure may beemployed in a server-based gaming system. In one such embodiment, asdescribed above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with acentral server or controller. The central server or controller may beany suitable server or computing device which includes at least oneprocessor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments,the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machinein the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of thecentral server stores different game programs and instructions,executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device.Each executable game program represents a different game or type of gamewhich may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gamingsystem. Such different games may include the same or substantially thesame game play with different pay tables, different wager denominationsor different themes. In different embodiments, the executable gameprogram is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In anotherembodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to beplayed simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may bedownloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.

In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or moredisplay devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with aplayer. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming deviceprocessor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the displaydevice(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gamingdevices.

In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one ormore of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. Indifferent embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated ordelivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or acomponent (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writingthe game program on a disc or other media, or downloading or streamingthe game program over a dedicated data network, internet, or a telephoneline. After the stored game programs are communicated from the centralserver, the local processor executes the communicated program tofacilitate play of the communicated program by a player through thedisplay device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is,when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the localprocessor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or moregaming sites may be networked to the central server in a progressiveconfiguration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager toinitiate a base or primary game may be allocated to one or moreprogressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system hostsite computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at avariety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-sitelinked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, aprogressive gaming system host site computer may serve gaming devicesdistributed throughout a number of properties at different geographicallocations including, for example, different locations within a city ordifferent cities within a state.

In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site computer ismaintained for the overall operation and control of the progressivegaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming system host sitecomputer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the masterfor computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sitesreport to, and receive information from, the progressive gaming systemhost site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for alldata communication between the gaming device hardware and software andthe progressive gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, anindividual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. Inanother embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming systemhost site computer) determines when a progressive award win istriggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and acentral controller (or progressive gaming system host site computer)work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive winis triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting apredetermined requirement established by the central controller.

In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered based on one ormore game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In otherembodiments, the progressive award triggering event or qualifyingcondition may be achieved by exceeding a certain amount of game play(such as number of games, number of credits, or amount of time), orreaching a specified number of points earned during game play. Inanother embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently randomlyselected to provide a player of that gaming device one or moreprogressive awards. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does notprovide any apparent reasons to the player for winning a progressiveaward, wherein winning the progressive award is not triggered by anevent in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game.That is, a player is provided a progressive award without anyexplanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In anotherembodiment, a player is provided a progressive award at least partiallybased on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at leastpartially based on the play of a primary game.

In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are each fundedvia a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a player must place orwager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associatedwith the side bet. In one embodiment, the player must place the maximumbet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressiveawards. In another embodiment, if the player places or wagers therequired side bet, the player may wager at any credit amount during theprimary game (i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and theside bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In onesuch embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to theplaced side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the playerwill win one of the progressive awards. It should be appreciated thatone or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least inpart, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gamingmachines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via anysuitable manner.

In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards arepartially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player may make(and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, oneor more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets orside-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of theprogressive awards are funded based on player's wagers as describedabove as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.

In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is required for agaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressiveawards. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the maximum wagerlevel for the primary game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment,no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to beselected to obtain one of the progressive awards.

In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linkedgaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gamingenvironment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality oflinked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as byplaying together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In onesuch embodiment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally orbased on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of thegroup. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality oflinked gaming devices compete against one another for one or moreawards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality oflinked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or moreawards. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality oflinked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcomegenerated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one ormore linked gaming devices.

Indication of Notable Symbols

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3, the gaming device 10, in oneembodiment, includes at least one reel 54 and preferably a plurality ofreels 54 as described above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, thereel 54 includes a reel strip 100. The reel strip 100 is associated witha plurality of symbols or indicia 102, such as bells, hearts, fruits,numbers, letters, bars, blank symbols, null symbols or other images.

In the embodiment in which the reel 54 is in physical or mechanicalform, the reel strip 100 is in physical or mechanical form. In suchembodiment, the physical strip 100 is a chain of symbols painted on,adhered to, printed on or otherwise marked on a reel frame orcylindrical shaped reel support (not shown) of the reel 54 or on a decalattached to the frame or support of the reel 54. In another embodiment,the physical reel strip has a physical structure, and such reel strip iscoupled to the reel frame or support. In the embodiment in which thereel 54 is in video, virtual or simulated form, the reel strip 100 isalso in video, virtual or simulated form. In such embodiment, thesimulated reel strip 100 is a computer-generated graphicalrepresentation displayed by the display device 16. In one embodiment,the reel strip 100 (whether in physical or simulated form) defines achain of symbols whose ends are connected together in an endless loop sothat such symbols have a fixed position relative to each other.

The symbols of the reel strip 100 have a function defined or specifiedby a paytable or outcome schedule. In one embodiment, the outcomeschedule specifies different awards for different symbol combinationswhich are generated by multiple reels 54 on a payline 52. For example,the outcome schedule may specify that a combination of three of theseven symbols on the payline corresponds to an award of X, and acombination of three cherry symbols on the payline corresponds to anaward of Y. Each of these types of symbols plays a role as part of asymbol combination. In one embodiment, the outcome schedule specifies ordefines that one or more of the reel symbols is special, in part becauseit has: (a) a purpose or role other than as part of a symbolcombination; or (b) a purpose or role as part of multiple symbolcombinations. For example, the outcome schedule may specify a specialreel symbol, such as a wild symbol which, when appearing on the payline,can convert a losing symbol combination to a winning symbol combination.If, for example, the reels 54 generate a seven-wild-seven on a payline,such outcome would be treated as a winning seven-seven-sevencombination. Another example of a special reel symbol is a bonus symbolwhich, when generated, triggers a bonus game.

In another embodiment, the reel symbols of the reels 54 include a symbolor symbol combination which is associated with an outcome or otherinformation which may be useful for the player. For example, such aninformation-related symbol may be a symbol which the outcome schedulelinks to a relatively high award, such as a jackpot or a progressiveaward. Another such information-related symbol may, for example, be aterminating symbol which the outcome schedule links to a game-endingevent.

Any type of symbol, including, but not limited to, the special symbolsand information-related symbols described above, may be referred to inthis disclosure as “notable symbols” or “designated symbols.”Combinations of such special symbols and information-related symbolsdescribed above may be referred to in this disclosure as “notable symbolcombinations” or “designated symbol combinations.”

Depending upon the embodiment, the notable symbols 104 and notablesymbol combinations can include: (a) a wild symbol, (b) an expandingsymbol, (c) a symbol stack such as a plurality or stack of symbolsoverlying one another at a single reel position), (d) a stack or stackedsymbol such as a plurality of spaced apart, like symbols positionedalong a vertical axis on a reel), (e) a bonus symbol, or (f) any othersuitable symbol or symbol combination. In one embodiment, the notablesymbols 104 and notable symbol combinations can include a wild symbol,an expanding symbol, a symbol stack, a stack symbol, a bonus symbol, orany other suitable symbol or symbol combination which is linked to anoutcome. In one example of an embodiment, the outcome linked to thenotable symbols 104 is relatively important or significant when comparedto the outcomes linked to the other symbols 102 and symbol combinationsof the reels 54.

Each symbol 102 or 104 is located at a stop or symbol position of thereel strip 100. In one embodiment, a notable expanding symbol (notshown) is configured to expand from an initial stop or symbol positionto one or more stop or symbol positions adjacent to the initialposition. The notable expanding symbol is configured to expandvertically, horizontally, or along a payline. In one embodiment, anotable symbol stack (not shown) includes a plurality of symbols 102 or104 layered or stacked at the same stop or symbol position. In oneembodiment, the notable symbol stack includes an initially displayedsymbol and at least one initially hidden symbol stacked beneath theinitially displayed symbol. Upon the occurrence of at least onetriggering event, the initially displayed symbol may be removed toreveal one or more of the initially hidden symbols so that one or moredifferent sets of visible symbols appear on the display device.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the gaming device processorcauses at least one reel 54 to spin. The gaming device processordetermines whether the notable symbol 104 will appear within a symboldisplay window or region 106 while the reel 54 is spinning. In oneembodiment, such determination is performed when the symbol 104 isoutside of the symbol display region 106. Based on the determination,the gaming device processor indicates the appearance of the notablesymbol 104 within the symbol display region 106. The indication caninclude, but is not limited to, any suitable audible indication, anysuitable graphical indication, a combination of any suitable audible andgraphical indication or any other suitable indication. The gaming deviceprocessor maintains or continues the indication of the notable symbol104 during the time when the notable symbol 104 moves within the symboldisplay region 106 during the spinning of the reel 54.

The indication of the notable symbol 104 informs the player or playersof the gaming device that the notable symbol 104 has appeared and isappearing within the symbol display region 106 while the reel 54 isspinning. In one embodiment, different indications or indicators areassociated with different notable symbols 104 so that differentindications identify different notable symbols 104.

In a mechanical form, at least one reel 54 is associated with at leastone symbol window or symbol display region 106 which displays or revealsa portion of the reel strip 100 of the reel 54 that is visible by theplayer. In an electromechanical form, a plurality of adjacent, rotatablereels 54 may be displayed by an electronic display of any suitable type.The electronic display is associated with, or constitutes, at least onesymbol window or symbol display region 106 which displays a portion ofeach reel strip 100 of the reels 54. In a video form, the plurality ofadjacent, rotatable reels 54 are simulated and displayed by one or moreof the display devices, as described above. In one such embodiment, eachof the display devices includes, or otherwise is associated with, atleast one symbol window or symbol display region 106 that displaysportions of each reel strip 100 of the reels 54.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device of the gamingdevice includes at least one symbol display region 106 at which aportion of the reel strip 100 of the reel 54 is visible by a player. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 3, the symbol display region 106displays symbols 102 (e.g., “CHERRY” and “BELL”) and a notable symbol104 (e.g., “WILD”) of the reel strip 100 to the player. The portions ofthe reel strip 100 of the reel 54 which are not visible are diagonallyhatched. The diagonal hatching represents the portions of the reel strip100 which are not displayed within the symbol display region 106. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of the symbols 102 or 104 of the reelstrip 100 are not within the symbol display region 106 and are notdisplayed to a player of the gaming device.

It should be appreciated that as the reel 54 moves or rotates, such asin the direction indicated by the downward-pointing arrow 109 of FIG. 3,there is a continuous change in the portions of the reel strip 100 whichpass through the symbol display region 106. When the reel 54 is rotated,the chain of symbols 102 and 104 move through, and change positionsrelative to, the symbol display region 106.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the symbol display region 106 isdivisible into a plurality of main regions 108 a-c. The plurality ofmain regions 108 a-c are positioned adjacent to one another in achain-like fashion. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the pluralityof main regions are divisible into a plurality of sub-regions 110 a-110i. Main region 108 a is associated with sub-regions 110 a-c, main region108 b is associated with sub-regions 110 d-f, and main region 108 c isassociated with sub-regions 110 g-i. The plurality of sub-regions 110a-110 i are positioned adjacent to one another in a chain-like fashion.Each one of the sub-regions 110 a-110 i is sized so that at least one ofthe symbols 102 and 104 is displayable at such sub-region at any onepoint in time. In one embodiment, each one of the main regions 108 a-cis sized so that at least one of the symbols 102 and 104 is displayableat such main region at any one point in time.

In one embodiment, at least one payline 52 corresponds to at least oneof the sub-regions 110 a to 110 i. In the illustrated example, payline52 b extends through sub-region 110 b, payline 52 e extends throughsub-region 110 e, and payline 52 h extends through payline 110 h.Because of the association with a payline, sub-regions 110 b, 110 e and110 h function as evaluation sub-regions or evaluation positions. Theremaining sub-regions 110 a, 110 c, 110 d, 110 f, 110 g, and 110 i,which are not associated with a payline, function as non-evaluationsub-regions or non-evaluation positions. When the reel 54 spins andstops, the gaming device processor evaluates wins, losses or otheroutcomes based on which symbols 102 and 104 are stopped at theevaluation positions 110 b, 110 e and 110 h. The gaming device processordoes not conduct such outcome evaluation at any of the non-evaluationpositions 110 a, 110 c, 110 d, 110 f, 110 g, and 110 i. In oneembodiment, the gaming device processor conducts such outcome evaluationat the non-evaluation positions 110 a, 110 c, 110 d, 110 f, 110 g, and110 i to determine any scatter pay arrangements.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor causes the display deviceto display one of the symbols 102 or 104 at each of the evaluationpositions 110 b, 110 e and 110 h. For example, on a five reel gamingdevice with three symbols generated in evaluation positions 110 b, 110 eand 110 h on each reel, each symbol would be displayed three times perspin. In another embodiment, the gaming device processor causes thedisplay device to display one of the symbols 102 or 104 at each of theevaluation positions 110 b, 110 e and 110 h and halfway between each ofthe evaluation positions 110 b, 110 e and 110 h. Such display enhancesthe appearance of the symbols spinning and is commonly referred to“half-stepping” symbols. In this embodiment, on a five reel gamingdevice with three symbols generated in evaluation positions 110 b, 110 eand 110 h on each reel, each symbol would be displayed six times perspin. It should be appreciated that half-stepping, quarter-stepping orany other suitable variation could be used to display the symbols 102 or104. In one embodiment, the gaming device processor causes the displaydevice to display one of the symbols 102 or 104 at each of thesub-regions 110 a-110 i for each reel spin. In this embodiment, on afive reel gaming device with three symbols generated in evaluationpositions 110 b, 110 e and 110 h on each reel, each symbol would bedisplayed nine times per spin.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor determines a position ofeach symbol 102 or 104 relative to the symbol display region 106. In oneembodiment, at least one of the symbols 102 or 104 are displayable ineach of the sub-regions 110 a to 110 i of the symbol display region 106.In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a “BAR” symbols, a “CHERRY”symbol, a blank symbol, a “SEVEN” symbol, a “WILD” symbol, an “ORANGE”symbol, a blank symbol, a “BELL” symbol and a “LEMON” symbol aredisplayed in sub-regions 110 a-i, respectively.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor displays a first one ofthe symbols 102 or 104 at sub-region 110 a of the symbol display region106. As the reel spins, the first symbol moves from non-evaluationsub-region 110 a to evaluation sub-region 110 b within the symboldisplay region 106. As the reel continues to spin, the first symbolmoves from evaluation sub-region 110 b to non-evaluation sub-region 110c within the symbol display region 106. In one embodiment, the movementof the first symbol continues within the symbol display region 106 untilthe reel is stopped. When the first symbol passes non-evaluationsub-region 110 i, the first symbol continues moving relative to thesymbol display region 106 while not being visible. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 3, once a symbol moves past the non-evaluationsub-region 110 i, in the direction of the arrow 109, the symbol ishidden from view.

In one embodiment, the indication of the notable symbols (whether audio,visual or audiovisual) occurs independent of one, a plurality of, or allof the following: (a) any win, loss or other game outcome; (b) thelocation of any win line or payline on the reels; and (c) any active winline or payline on the reels. For example, the gaming deviceautomatically produces the indication whenever a notable symbol appearsin upper most sub-region of visible position of the reel window 106,which, in the illustrated example, is sub-region 110 a. In suchembodiment, the gaming device produces such indication regardless ofwhether the win line or payline passes through sub-region 110 a.

In some embodiments, the gaming device includes wagering logic orelements other than paylines which specify opportunities for outcomes onone or more reels 54. For example, the gaming device processor or theplayer can specify one or more designated symbol positions of one ormore reels 54 to be used evaluate whether one or more symbols 102 or 104appear at such positions. In such embodiment, such designated symbolpositions function as evaluation positions. The gaming device processorperforms the indication of the notable symbols (whether audio, visual oraudiovisual) regardless of whether the notable symbols stop at suchevaluation positions.

In one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels 54stop spinning if specified types or configurations of the symbols 102 or104 are generated on an active payline 52 or are otherwise generated ina winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels oroccur in a scatter pay arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 4, the chart 120 shows a plurality of notable symbols104 associated with a plurality of different identifiers, or indicators112. Notable symbol A is associated with: (a) an audible indicator 114,such as sound A; and (b) a graphical indicator 116, such as graphicalindicator A. Notable symbol B is associated with: (a) an audibleindicator 114, such as sound B; and (b) a graphical indicator 116, suchas graphical indicator B. Notable symbol C is associated with: (a) anaudible indicator 114, such as sound C; and (b) a graphical indicator116, such as graphical indicator C. Notable symbol combination D isassociated with: (a) an audible indicator 114, such as sound D; and (b)a graphical indicator 116, such as graphical indicator D. In oneembodiment, no symbols 102 other than the notable symbols 104 areassociated with either an audible indicator 114 or a graphical indicator116.

In one embodiment, at least one audible indicator 114 or at least onegraphical indicator 116 is associated with each notable symbol 104 basedon a random determination performed by the gaming device. It should beappreciated that, in different embodiments, the audible indicator 114 orthe graphical indicator 116 is determined based on a randomdetermination by the central controller, determined based on one or moreside wagers placed, determined based on the player's primary game wager,determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined by thegame operator or gaming establishment or determined based on any othersuitable method or criteria.

In one embodiment, the audible indicator 114 or the graphical indicator116 is determined based on the player's status or ranking (such asdetermined through a player tracking system). For example, a notable“WILD” symbol is associated with a first graphical indicator 116, suchas a blue glow frame, which substantially surrounds the notable “WILD”symbol, for players having a bronze status or ranking. For playershaving a gold status or ranking, the notable “WILD” symbol is associatedwith a second, different graphical indicator 116, such as a blinking orflashing green glow frame, which substantially surrounds the designated“WILD” symbol. By providing different identifiers or indicators fordifferent player statuses or rankings, the gaming device can indicateidentifying information depending upon which player is playing the game.

In one embodiment, the audible indicators 114 include different soundrecordings, musical pieces, electronic sound files or music, such asdifferent songs or notes. In one embodiment, the audible indicators 114include different pitches of the same sound. In another embodiment, theaudible indicators 114 include the same or different pitches ofdifferent sounds. In one embodiment, the audible indicators 114 includedifferent tempos of the same sound. In another embodiment, the audibleindicators 114 include the same or different tempos of different sounds.Referring back to FIG. 4, in one embodiment the audible indicators A, Band C differ from each other by one or more sound characteristics.

In one embodiment, the different notable symbols correspond to differentaudible indicators. In another embodiment, different groups of notablesymbols correspond to different audible indicators. Each audibleindicator functions as an audio signature for the corresponding notablesymbol or group of notable symbols, such as the symbol stack or thestacked symbols described above. For example, a notable “WILD” symbolmay correspond to the trumpet sound of an elephant and a notable bonussymbol may correspond to a piano sound. In another example, a group ofnotable “WILD” symbols, such as a stacked “WILD” symbol, may correspondto the roaring sound of a lion. As such notable symbols roll into view,the gaming device plays or generates these sounds. These soundsdistinguish the notable symbols from the other symbols. As a result,these sounds alert the player that such notable symbols are in viewwithout requiring the player to see or look at the notable symbols.

In one embodiment, at least one of the audible indicators 114 changeswhile the associated notable symbol moves within the symbol displayregion 106. For example, sound A changes in frequency or pitch while thenotable symbol A moves downward from sub-region 110 a to sub-region 110i of the symbol display region 106. In one embodiment, the change insound simulates the Doppler effect experienced when a fast moving objectpasses a bystander. In one embodiment, the gaming device processormodifies any suitable characteristic of the audible indicator 114, suchas pitch or tempo, while one of the notable symbols moves downward orupward within the symbol display region 106.

In one embodiment, the graphical indicators 116 include differentcolors, such as red, blue or green. In one embodiment, the graphicalindicators 116 include different colors or types of highlighting. Inanother embodiment, the graphical indicators 116 include at least oneglow frame which substantially surrounds the notable symbol 104. In oneembodiment, the glow frame associated with each different notable symbol104 is a different color. In one embodiment, the graphical indicators114 include flashing or blinking in different colors or at differentrates for each different notable symbol 104. Depending upon theembodiment, the graphical indicators can include different colors,shades, intensity, sprites, images, symbols, animations or any othersuitable graphical or visual characteristics.

In one embodiment, at least one of the graphical indicators 114 changeswhile the associated notable symbol moves within the symbol displayregion 106. For example, graphical indicator A changes colors one ormore times as the notable symbol A moves downward from sub-region 110 ato sub-region 110 i within the symbol display region 106. In oneembodiment, the gaming device processor modifies any suitablecharacteristic of the graphical indicator 116, such as color or flashrate, as one of the notable symbols moves downward or upward within thesymbol display region 106.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, different example positions or “snap-shots” ofone reel 54 illustrate the different positions of the reel 54 as timeelapses. Each “snap-shot” illustrates the position of the reel 54 at onepoint in time on the timeline 130. The gaming device processor causesthe reel 54 to spin. In one embodiment, the gaming device processorprovides a reel spinning sound, such as “tick-tick-tick . . . ” oranother suitable reel spinning sound along with suitable backgroundmusic while the reel 54 spins.

As the reel 54 spins, the symbols 102 and 104 of the reel strip 100 passthrough the symbol display region 106. At any one point in time, eachsymbol 102 and 104 of the reel strip 100 occupies one of the sub-regions110 of the symbol display region 106. As illustrated, symbol 102 aoccupies sub-region 110 x, symbol 102 b occupies sub-region 110 y, andsymbol 102 c occupies sub-region 110 z. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the symbol display region 106 is divided into sub-regions 110a-i (FIG. 3) while in the example illustrated in FIG. 5A, the symboldisplay region 106 is divided into sub-regions 110 x-z (FIG. 5A). Itshould be appreciated that the symbol display region 106 can be dividedinto any number of sub-regions 110 and that each symbol 102 and 104could be sized to occupy any number of sub-regions 110 within the symboldisplay region 106.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5A, the notable symbol 104 is a“WILD” symbol. At a first point in time t1 during the spin of the reel54, the notable “WILD” symbol 104 is positioned at a first position p1.The notable “WILD” symbol 104 is diagonally hatched to represent thatthe notable “WILD” symbol 104 is not visible or displayed within thesymbol display region 106 when reel 54 has the first position p1.

At a second point in time t2 during the spin of the reel 54, the reel 54has a lower position p2. In the lower position p2, the notable “WILD”symbol 104 occupies sub-region 110 x of the symbol display region 106,symbol 102 a occupies sub-region 110 y of the symbol display region 106,and symbol 102 b occupies sub-region 110 z of the symbol display region106. When part or all of the notable “WILD” symbol 104 appears withinsymbol display window or region 106, the gaming device processorprovides or generates one of the audible indicators 114 described above,regardless of the location of the paylines 52 x, 52 y or 52 z and thedirection of the reel spin. In one embodiment, the gaming deviceprocessor provides or generates one of the audible indicators 114described above when part or all of the notable “WILD” symbol 104appears within the sub-region 110 x of the symbol display region 106.Depending upon the embodiment, the audible indicators 114 describedabove could immediately precede or substantially coincide with theappearance of the notable “WILD” symbol 104 within the sub-region 110 x.

At a third point in time t3 during the spin of the reel 54, the reel 54has a third position p3. In the third position p3, the notable “WILD”symbol 104 occupies sub-region 110 y of the symbol display region 106and symbol 102 a occupies sub-region 110 z of the symbol display region106. The gaming device processor continues the audible indicator 114 asthe notable “WILD” symbol 104 moves toward sub-region 110 z of thesymbol display region 106.

At a fourth point in time t4 during the spin of the reel 54, the reelhas a fourth position p4. In the fourth position p4, the notable “WILD”symbol 104 occupies sub-region 110 z of the symbol display region 106.The gaming device processor continues the audible indicator 114 for aslong as part or all of the notable “WILD” symbol 104 appears within thesub-region 110 z of the symbol display region 106.

At a fifth point in time t5 during the spin of the reel 54, the reel hasa fifth position p5. In the fifth position p5, the notable “WILD” symbol104 is outside of the symbol display region 106. The notable “WILD”symbol 104 is diagonally hatched to represent that the notable “WILD”symbol 104 is not visible or displayed within the symbol display region106 when at the fifth position p5. The gaming device processor ends theaudible indicator 114 when the reel 54 reaches the fifth position p5because the notable “WILD” symbol 104 is no longer visible or displayedwithin one of the sub-regions 110 x, 110 y or 110 z of the symboldisplay region 106. In different embodiments, the gaming deviceprocessor ends the audible indicator 114 before, at substantially thesame time as, or after the reel 54 reaches the fifth position p5.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, different example positions of one reel 54illustrate the positions of the reel 54 at different points in time onthe timeline 140. Timeline 140 differs from timeline 130 of FIG. 5A inthat the notable “WILD” symbol 104 has stopped in the third position p3at the third point in time during the spin of the reel 54. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, the reel 54 remains stopped in the thirdposition p3 for the third, fourth and fifth points in time t3 to t5.

Timeline 140 shows that the gaming device processor provides at leastone of the audible indicators 114 when reel 54 moves to the secondposition p2 at the second point in time t2. The gaming device processorcontinues the audible indicator 114 as the notable “WILD” symbol 104moves toward occupying sub-region 110 y at the third point in time t3.

At a fourth point in time t4 of timeline 140, the notable “WILD” symbol104 remains at the sub-region 110 y. The gaming device processor changesthe audible indicator from a first audible indicator 114 to a second,different audible indicator 118. In one embodiment, the first audibleindicator 114 is a sound or note and the second, different audibleindicator 118 is a modified version of the sound or note. In anotherembodiment, the first audible indicator 114 is a first sound or note andthe second, different audible indicator 118 is a second, different soundor note.

In one embodiment, when the gaming device processor changes from playingone sound or audible indicator to another, the processor can stop thefirst sound or audible indicator at one point in time and start thesecond sound or audible indicator at the same point in time (e.g.,simultaneously). In one embodiment, the processor can fade-out the firstsound or audible indicator and play or fade-in the second sound oraudible indicator. Alternatively, the processor can play a transitionalsound or note to produce a musical transition from the first sound oraudible indicator to the second sound or audible indicator. In oneembodiment, when the gaming device processor changes from playing onesound or audible indicator to another, the processor can stop the firstsound or audible indicator at one point in time and start the secondsound or audible indicator at a different point in time (e.g.,sequentially).

At a fifth point in time t5 of timeline 140, the notable “WILD” symbol104 remains at the sub-region 110 y. The gaming device processorcontinues the second, different audible indicator 118. As describedabove, the gaming device awards prizes after the reel 54 stops spinningif specified types or configurations of the symbols 102 or 104 aregenerated.

Referring now to FIG. 6, different example positions of one reel 54illustrate the positions of the reel 54 at different points in time onthe timeline 150. Timeline 150 differs from timeline 130 of FIG. 5A inthat when one of the notable symbols 104 appears within the symboldisplay region 106, the gaming device processor provides a graphicalindicator 116 of the notable symbol 104 instead of an audible indicator114. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the notable symbol 104 is a“WILD” symbol, and the graphical indicator 116 is an “explosion” symbolhaving pointed edges. In one embodiment, the “explosion” symbolrepresents a glow frame or highlighting of any suitable color.

Referring now to FIG. 7, different example positions of one reel 54 areillustrated as the reel 54 spins over a period of time represented bytimeline 160. Timeline 160 differs from timeline 130 of FIG. 5A andtimeline 150 of FIG. 6 in that when one of the notable symbols 104appears within the symbol display region 106, the gaming deviceprocessor provides or generates both an audible indicator 114 and agraphical indicator 116 associated with the notable symbol 104. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 7, the notable symbol 104 is a “WILD”symbol.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5A-7, the gaming device processorautomatically starts the performance of the audio, visual or audiovisualindication of the notable symbols when they first appear in theuppermost region of the display window 106. The gaming device processorcontinues performing such indication while the notable symbols traveldownward within the display window 106 regardless of whether the notablesymbols pass evaluation positions or non-evaluation positions.

It should be appreciated that one or more notable symbols 104 can appearwithin the symbol display region 106 at the same time. For example, afirst notable symbol and a second notable symbol can be positioned onthe reel strip 100 of one reel 54 so that both can appear within thesymbol display region 106 at the same time. In another example, a firstnotable symbol of a first reel 54 and a second notable symbol of asecond, different reel 54 can both appear within the symbol displayregion 106 at the same time.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the process 200 is embodiedin one or more software programs stored in one or more memories andexecuted by one or more processors or controllers. Although the process200 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8,it should be appreciated that other suitable methods of performing theacts or steps associated with process 200 may be used. For example, theorder of the blocks may be changed, and one or more of the blocksdescribed may be optional.

The process 200 begins when a player places a wager for a game at one ofthe gaming devices 10 in the gaming system. As indicated by block 202,the gaming device processor of one of the gaming devices receives aninput corresponding to the wager from the player. After receiving thewager, the gaming device initiates a game. In one embodiment, thecentral server of the gaming system communicates with the gaming deviceprocessor of the gaming device to initiate the game. In one embodiment,the game includes at least one reel which has a plurality of symbols andis initiated by spinning the at least one reel. As indicated by block204, the gaming device displays at least one reel having a plurality ofsymbols spinning.

As indicated by block 206, the gaming device displays part of the reelwithin a symbol display region. In one embodiment, the gaming deviceprocessor causes the reel to spin. In one embodiment, the gaming deviceproduces a reel spin sound (such as “tick-tick-tick . . . ” or anothersuitable sound which emulates a sound of a spinning reel) while the reelis spinning.

The gaming device processor determines whether a notable symbol willappear in the symbol display region, as indicated by block 208. Thisdetermination is performed before the notable symbol reaches the symboldisplay region. In one embodiment, the gaming device processordetermines whether a notable symbol will appear in the symbol displayregion, as indicated by block 208, before the reel begins to spin. Inanother embodiment, the gaming device processor determines whether anotable symbol will appear in the symbol display region, as indicated byblock 208, while the reel is spinning. In one embodiment, the gamingdevice processor determines whether a notable symbol will appear in thesymbol display region, as indicated by block 208. In one embodiment, thedetermination whether a notable symbol will appear in the symbol displayregion occurs regardless of a position of the notable symbol withrespect to at least one of the winning lines or paylines.

As indicated by block 210, the gaming device processor indicates thepresentation or appearance of the notable symbol in the symbol displayregion. In one embodiment, the indicator includes: (a) an audibleindicator, such as one of the audible indicators 114 described above;(b) a graphical indicator, such as one of the graphical indicators 116described above; or (c) a combination of an audible and graphicalindicator.

As described above, in one embodiment, the notable symbol is associatedwith one or more indicators such that if the notable symbol appearswithin the symbol display region, the gaming device processor producesor generates the indicator or indicators associated with the notablesymbol. For example, referring back to FIG. 4, when notable symbol Aappears within the symbol display region, the gaming device processorproduces or generates: (a) sound A; (b) graphical indicator A; or (c)sound A and graphical indicator A.

As indicated by block 212, the gaming device processor continues theindicator while the notable symbol appears within the symbol displayregion. In one embodiment, the gaming device processor continues theindicator while the notable symbol appears within the symbol displayregion while the reel spins.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor causes the reel to stopspinning. As indicated by block 214, the gaming device displays thestopped reel. In one embodiment, the gaming device processor indicatesthe stopping of the reel, as indicated by block 216. In one embodiment,the gaming device processor produces or generates a reel stop sound toindicate that the reel has stopped spinning.

As indicated by block 218, the gaming device processor determineswhether an award condition is satisfied based on one or more of thesymbols of the stopped reel. The gaming device processor determineswhether the award condition is satisfied based on the symbols displayedwithin the symbol display region after the reel stops.

In one embodiment, the symbol display region is divisible into aplurality of sub-regions, including at least a first sub-region and asecond sub-region located adjacent to the first sub-region. The symbolspass through the sub-regions while the reel spins.

In operation of one such embodiment, the gaming device processordetermines whether the notable symbol will appear at the firstsub-region while the at least one reel is spinning. This determinationoccurs or is performed before the notable symbol reaches the firstsub-region. In one embodiment, the gaming device processor determineswhether the notable symbol will appear at the first sub-region beforethe reel spins. In another embodiment, the gaming device processordetermines whether the notable symbol will appear at the firstsub-region while the reel is spinning. In one embodiment, the gamingdevice processor determines whether the notable symbol will appear atthe first sub-region independent of at least one payline.

Based on the determination, the gaming device processor indicates thepresentation or appearance of the notable symbol at the firstsub-region. In different embodiments, the gaming device processorindicates the presentation or appearance of the notable symbol at thefirst sub-region with: (a) an audible indicator, such as one of theaudible indicators 114 described above; (b) a graphical indicator, suchas one of the graphical indicators 116 described above; or (c) acombination of an audible and graphical indicator.

While the reel is spinning, the gaming device processor continues theindicator as the notable symbol moves from the first sub-region in adirection toward the second sub-region. After a reel stop event occurs,the gaming device processor displays the stopped reel. The gaming deviceprocessor indicates the stopped reel with a reel stop indicator, such asan audible sound. In one embodiment, the reel stop indicator isdifferent from the indicator of the appearance of the notable symbol.For example, if the gaming device processor indicates the appearance ofthe notable symbol with a first sound, the gaming device processorindicates the stopping of the reel with a second, different sound. Inone embodiment, the second, different sound associated with the reelstopping is a modified version of the first sound. For example, thesecond, different sound has a different characteristic, such as pitch ortempo.

After the reel stops, the gaming device processor determines whether anaward condition is satisfied based on one or more of the symbolsrevealed by the first and second sub-regions of the symbol displayregion. If one or more of the symbols revealed by the first and secondsub-regions of the symbol display region satisfy an award condition, thegaming device processor indicates or provides an award associated withthe award condition.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E, the display device 16displays a game play screen for one embodiment of the described gamingsystem. For ease of illustration, the game play screens display thepaylines 52, reels 54, symbols 102 and 104 and other relevant gameinformation. In alternative embodiments, the game play screens aredivided between different areas of the display device 16 or dividedbetween the display devices 16 and 18. Alternatively, the display device18 is configured to display the game play screens.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9A, the display device 16 simulatesor displays a plurality of reels 54 having a plurality of symbols 102 or104. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, each “WOLF” symbol is a notable symbol104. In this embodiment, the notable “WOLF” symbols 104 are part of asymbol stack. For example, the symbol stack includes a plurality ofnotable “WOLF” symbols which overlie one another at a single reelposition and act as wild symbols. In this example, the display device 16illustrates the symbol display region 106 which forms a window orperimeter around the 3×5 symbol matrix. The reels 54 spin for each playor initiation of a game. After the reels 54 stop spinning, the gamingdevice processor evaluates the symbols 102 and 104 which appear withinthe symbol display region 106 to determine an outcome for the game. Ifthe outcome is a winning outcome, the gaming device processor providesor indicates an award associated with the winning outcome to the player.

The display device 16 displays the credit display 20 and the bet display22. The credit display 20 displays the player's current number ofcredits, cash, or account balance. The bet display 22 displays theplayer's wager or an amount of credits or cash wagered for the play ofthe game. In one embodiment, as described above, the display device 16also displays the player tracking display which displays informationregarding the player's play tracking status. As illustrated in FIG. 9A,the credit display 20 indicates that the player's current number ofcredits or cash is $20.40 and the bet display 22 indicates that theplayer wagered 80 credits for a previous play of the game.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E, each credit is equal toone penny as indicated by the denomination display 228. The denominationdisplay 228 displays the denomination of each credit wagered and won bythe player. In different embodiments, the denomination indicated by thedenomination display 228 is selected by the gaming device operator, bythe gaming device manufacturer, by the gaming device processor, by thecentral server, or based on an input from the player.

The display device 16 displays an award display 230. The award display230 indicates to the player how many credits or other type(s) of awardare provided in the play of the game. During an award attempt, any awardreceived by the player is added to the award indicated by the awarddisplay 230. Once the play of the game ends, the award amount indicatedby the award display 230 is provided to the player. As illustrated inFIG. 9A, the award display 230 indicates that the player won an award of40 credits for obtaining a winning symbol combination on one of thepaylines 52 for a previous play of the game.

In one embodiment, the display device 16 displays a message orinstruction area 232 which displays messages or instructions to theplayer. In one embodiment, the gaming device processor is programmed tocontrol which messages or instructions are displayed by the message area232. Appropriate messages or instructions such as “GAME PAYS 40 CREDITS”OR “GOOD LUCK” may be provided to the player visually, or throughsuitable audio or audiovisual displays.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the display device 16 simulates or displayseach of the reels 54 spinning. As described above, the reels 54 may spinsimultaneously, sequentially, or individually. The credit display 20indicates that the player has $19.20 remaining. The bet display 22indicates that the player has wagered 120 credits or $1.20 for this playof the game. The award display 230 indicates that the player has wonzero credits at this point of the game. The message or instruction area232 indicates a message, such as “GOOD LUCK,” while the reels 54 spin.

As the reels 54 spin, the symbols 102 and 104 of the reels 54 spinwithin the symbol display region 106 and roll into view and out of view.If one of the notable “WOLF” symbols 104 appear within the symboldisplay region, while one or more of the reels 54 are spinning, thegaming device processor indicates the presentation or appearance of eachnotable “WOLF” symbol 104. In one embodiment, the gaming deviceprocessor audibly indicates the presentation or appearance of eachnotable “WOLF” symbol 104. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, thegaming device processor generates or produces a sound or audibleindicator, such as “WHOOSH,” to indicate that the notable “WOLF” symbol104 appears within the symbol display region 106. By generating orproducing a sound or audible indicator, such as a “WHOOSH” sound, thegaming device processor increases the likelihood that the player willbecome aware of the appearance of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 withinthe symbol display region 106 as the reels 54 spin. The gaming deviceprovides this increased awareness even though it may be difficult tovisually recognize the appearance of such symbol because of the actualor simulated spinning of the reels.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor graphically indicates thepresentation or appearance of each notable “WOLF” symbol 104. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the gaming device processor producesor generates a yellow highlight or a yellow glow frame around thenotable “WOLF” symbol 104 as indicated by the visual indication 116. Thehighlight or glow frame may be associated with any color and may beassociated with different colors depending upon which notable symbol 104is displayed within the symbol display region 106. By highlighting orproducing a glow frame surrounding the notable “WOLF” symbol 104, thegaming device processor increases the likelihood that the player willbecome aware of the appearance of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 withinthe symbol display region 106 as the reels 54 spin.

In another embodiment, the gaming device processor causes the notable“WOLF” symbol 104 to animate. For example, the gaming device processoranimates the wolf of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 so that the wolfappears to “run up the reel” as the reel spins. In this example, thewolf animates so that it appears that the wolf is trying to remainwithin the symbol display region 106 without “falling off” of the symboldisplay region 106. In one embodiment, the notable “WOLF” symbol is theuppermost symbol of a symbol stack located at a first reel position sothat, as the notable “WOLF” symbol animates to “run up the reel,” atleast one underlying symbol of the symbol stack remains at the firstreel position. The animation increases the likelihood that the playerwill become aware of the appearance of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104within the symbol display region 106 as the reels 54 spin.

In another embodiment, the gaming device processor changes the speed ofany reels 54 which are associated with the notable “WOLF” symbol 104. Inone such embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the gaming deviceprocessor slows the speed of each reel 54 on which the notable “WOLF”symbol 104 appears. In one embodiment, the reel or reels 54 only slowwhen a notable symbol 104, such as the “WOLF” symbol, appears on thereel or reels 54. By slowing down the reel or reels 54 on which thenotable “WOLF” symbol 104 appears, the gaming device processor increasesthe likelihood that the player become aware of the presentation orappearance of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 within the symbol displayregion 106 as the reel or reels 54 spin.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor simulates changing thespeed of any reels 54 which are associated with the notable “WOLF”symbol 104 by half-stepping or quarter-stepping the notable “WOLF”symbol 104 as described above. Half-stepping or quarter-stepping thenotable “WOLF” symbol 104 during the spinning of the reel 54 simulatesslowing down the reel 54 on which the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 appearsbecause the notable “WOLF” symbol appears at more locations along thereel 54 for each spin of the reel 54.

It should be appreciated that one or more of the reels 54 spin at aregular speed if the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 does not appear withinthe symbol display region 106. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the first,second, fourth and fifth reels 54 from the left side of the displaydevice 16 spin at a regular speed. This is because, as illustrated inFIG. 9C, the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 only appears on the third reelfrom the left side of the display device 16. For the appearance of thenotable “WOLF” symbols 104, the gaming device processor is programmedto: (a) slow the speed of the third reel 54; (b) generate or produce asound (e.g., “WHOOSH”) or any other suitable audible indicator; (c)generate a highlight, a glow frame or any other suitable graphicalindicator around the notable “WOLF” symbols 104; or (d) perform anycombination of (a), (b) and (c) in association with the notable “WOLF”symbols 104 of the third reel 54.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9D, the first, second, and thirdreels 54 have stopped. The fourth reel 54 continues to spin at itsregular speed. As illustrated in FIG. 9D, a notable “WOLF” symbol 104appears on the fifth reel 54. The gaming device processor indicates thenotable “WOLF” symbol 104 by slowing the speed of the fifth reel 54 whenthe notable “WOLF” symbol 104 appears within the symbol display region106. The fifth reel 54 remains spinning at the slower speed until partor all of the notable “WOLF” symbol 104 no longer appears within thesymbol display region 106.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9E, the reels 54 have stopped. Oncethe reels 54 have stopped, the gaming device processor indicates thestopping of at least one reel by providing a reel stop sound. In thisexample, the reel stop sound is different than any audible indicatorassociated with the notable “WOLF” symbol 104. The gaming deviceprocessor determines whether the award condition is satisfied based onthe symbols 102 and 104 displayed within the symbol display region 106after the reels 54 stop.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9E, the gaming device processordetermines that the symbols 102 and 104 on one or more of the paylines52 within the symbol display region 106 correspond to an award of 120credits. The award display 230 indicates that the player won an award of120 credits for obtaining a winning symbol combination on two of thepaylines 52 for the play of the game. The credit display 20 indicatesthat the player's current number of credits or cash has increased to$20.40. The message area 232 indicates an appropriate message such as“GAME PAYS 120 CREDITS” which may be provided to the player visually, orthrough suitable audio or audiovisual displays.

It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the associationsbetween the indications and the notable symbols may be applied for eachplay of a game played at the gaming device. In one embodiment, theassociations between the indications and the notable symbols areselectively applied based on an input received from the player. In oneembodiment, the associations between the indications and the notablesymbols are applied based on one or more suitable triggering events orqualifying conditions described above. For example, after an occurrenceof a triggering event, a designated notable symbol is associated withone or more designated indications. In one embodiment, the associationsbetween the indications and the notable symbols change after one or moresuitable triggering events or qualifying conditions.

In one embodiment, the associations between the indications and thenotable symbols last for a designated period. In one embodiment, thedesignated period is based on an amount of time. In another embodiment,the designated period is based on an amount of games played at thegaming device by the player. In different other embodiments, thedesignated period is based on a predetermined value, based on a randomdetermination, based on the player's status (such as determined througha player tracking system), based on a generated symbol or symbolcombination, based on one or more side wagers placed by the player,based on the player's primary game wager, based on time (such as thetime of day), based on a determination by the game operator or based onany other suitable method or criteria.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming system comprising: adisplay device; an input device; a processor; and a memory device thatstores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to: enable receipt, by the input device, of a wager input;responsive to receipt, by the input device, of the wager input, initiatea play of a game, wherein the game is associated with a plurality ofreels, wherein each of the plurality of reels comprises multiple symbolpositions, and wherein each symbol position comprises one of a pluralityof different symbols; cause the display device to display the pluralityof reels spinning and stopping to display multiple of the symbols of theplurality of reels; responsive to an occurrence of a triggering event,when the displayed symbols of the plurality of reels include a pluralityof designated symbols, cause the display device to, for each of theplurality of designated symbols, remove that designated symbol to revealanother one of the plurality of symbols behind that designated symbol;determine any awards based on the displayed symbols of the plurality ofreels including any revealed symbols; and cause the display device todisplay any awards.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thetriggering event is associated with the displayed symbols of theplurality of reels including the plurality of designated symbols.
 3. Thegaming system of claim 1, wherein for one of the plurality of reels,that reel comprises multiple adjacent symbol positions that eachcomprise the designated symbol.
 4. The gaming system of claim 3, whereinfor each of multiple of the plurality of reels, that reel comprisesmultiple adjacent symbol positions that each comprise the designatedsymbol.
 5. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a speaker,and wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to, for one of the reels that comprises the designated symbol,cause the speaker to output an audible indication when the designatedsymbol on the reel appears in a symbol display region while the reel isspinning.
 6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, for one of thereels that comprises the designated symbol, cause the display device todisplay an indication when the designated symbol on the reel appears ina symbol display region while the reel is spinning.
 7. A gaming systemcomprising: a processor; and a memory device that stores instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: responsiveto a wager input, initiate a play of a game, wherein the game isassociated with a plurality of reels, wherein each of the plurality ofreels comprises multiple symbol positions, and wherein each symbolposition comprises one of a plurality of different symbols; cause adisplay device to display the plurality of reels spinning and stoppingto display multiple of the symbols of the plurality of reels; responsiveto an occurrence of a triggering event, when the displayed symbols ofthe plurality of reels include a plurality of designated symbols, causethe display device to, for each of the plurality of designated symbols,remove that designated symbol to reveal another one of the plurality ofsymbols behind that designated symbol; determine any awards based on thedisplayed symbols of the plurality of reels including any revealedsymbols; and cause the display device to display any awards.
 8. Thegaming system of claim 7, wherein the triggering event is associatedwith the displayed symbols of the plurality of reels including theplurality of designated symbols.
 9. The gaming system of claim 7,wherein for one of the plurality of reels, that reel comprises multipleadjacent symbol positions that each comprise the designated symbol. 10.The gaming system of claim 7, wherein for each of multiple of theplurality of reels, that reel comprises multiple adjacent symbolpositions that each comprise the designated symbol.
 11. The gamingsystem of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to, for one of the reels that comprisesthe designated symbol, cause a speaker to output an audible indicationwhen the designated symbol on the reel appears in a symbol displayregion while the reel is spinning.
 12. The gaming system of claim 7,wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to, for one of the reels that comprises the designated symbol,cause the display device to display an indication when the designatedsymbol on the reel appears in a symbol display region while the reel isspinning.
 13. A method of operating a gaming system, the methodcomprising: responsive to a wager input, initiating, by a processor, aplay of a game, wherein the game is associated with a plurality ofreels, wherein each of the plurality of reels comprises multiple symbolpositions, and wherein each symbol position comprises one of a pluralityof different symbols; causing, by the processor, a display device todisplay the plurality of reels spinning and stopping to display multipleof the symbols of the plurality of reels; responsive to an occurrence ofa triggering event, when the displayed symbols of the plurality of reelsinclude a plurality of designated symbols, causing, by the processor,the display device to, for each of the plurality of designated symbols,remove that designated symbol to reveal another one of the plurality ofsymbols behind that designated symbol; determining, by the processor,any awards based on the displayed symbols of the plurality of reelsincluding any revealed symbols; and causing, by the processor, thedisplay device to display any awards.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the triggering event is associated with the displayed symbols ofthe plurality of reels including the plurality of designated symbols.15. The method of claim 13, wherein for one of the plurality of reels,that reel comprises multiple adjacent symbol positions that eachcomprise the designated symbol.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein foreach of multiple of the plurality of reels, that reel comprises multipleadjacent symbol positions that each comprise the designated symbol. 17.The method of claim 13, further comprising causing, by the processor andfor one of the reels that comprises the designated symbol, a speaker tooutput an audible indication when the designated symbol on the reelappears in a symbol display region while the reel is spinning.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising causing, by the processor and forone of the reels that comprises the designated symbol, the displaydevice to display an indication when the designated symbol on the reelappears in a symbol display region while the reel is spinning.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein causing, by the processor, the displaydevice to display the reels spinning and stopping to display multiple ofthe symbols of the plurality of reels comprises causing, by theprocessor, data associated with the reels to be transmitted.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein causing, by the processor, the dataassociated with the reels to be transmitted comprises causing, by theprocessor, the data associated with the reels to be transmitted over adata network.